Inaugural logistics

January 18, 2013

President Barack Obama's second inaugural on Monday is not expected to draw the same number of people to Washington as his historic swearing-in four years ago. However, crowds will still be large, security will be tight and organizers are warning visitors to allow extra time get to the U.S. Capitol. Here are a few logistical details:

•MARC Penn and Brunswick lines will operate special trains to and from Washington. Online ticket sales are closed, but round-trip tickets will be available for $25 (cash only) Monday at select stations. Penn Line service will begin at 7:30 a.m. at Baltimore's Penn Station and trains will only board passengers at Odenton, BWI Marshall Airport, Halethorpe, West Baltimore, and Penn and Union stations. For more information, visit mta.maryland.gov/inaugural-day-information or call 410-539-5000.

•Metro will open at 4 a.m. Parking fees vary by lot, but most run between $4.50 and $5 for the day. Fees are paid as drivers exit the lot, either with SmarTrip or credit cards. Three Metro stations will be closed on Inauguration Day: Smithsonian, Archives and Mount Vernon Square. Four Metro stations should be used only for those with inauguration tickets: Union Station, Judiciary Square, Capitol South and Federal Center SW. For more information visit wmata.com.

•Gates to the inaugural ceremonies open at 7 a.m. and organizers recommend arriving no later than 9 a.m. The musical prelude begins at 10 a.m. and the formal program begins at 11:30 a.m. Be prepared to pass through several security screenings. Tickets are color-coded and visitors must enter through the correct gate. A map of the gates is available at inaugural.senate.gov/2013.

•Visitors without tickets may watch the ceremony on the Mall west of Fourth Street. Entrances will be located along Constitution and Independence avenues.

•The inaugural parade is to begin about 2:35 p.m. Pennsylvania Avenue will be closed between the Capitol and the White House for the parade, including to foot traffic.

•Traffic in Washington will be heavy and parking scarce. Visitors are encouraged to use mass transit and to leave early in the morning.

•Maryland's High Occupancy Vehicle lanes along Interstate 270 and U.S. 50 will be open to all traffic and HOV requirements will be lifted.

•Umbrellas, strollers, thermoses and coolers are prohibited. The complete list of prohibited items is available at inaugural.senate.gov/2013/prohibited-items.